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Thursday, October 12, 2006

The Iraqi Dead

655,000 dead.

Of course Bush denies it, but on what basis? I have no idea.

The Independent is very good today, with a long article about the reality of living in Baghdad, by Patrick Cockburn. I'm particularly shocked by the manner that US troops have been wacking Iraqis just on the offchance that they may be suicide bombers.

The Iraqi police general in charge of the serious crimes squad was shot throught the head by an American soldier who mistook him for a suicide bomber.

President Jalal Talabani's head of protocol was in hospital with broken limbs after his car was rammed by a US Humvee.

These are just the high-ranking vicitms. I suspect that thousands have been shot in this casual manner by US troops since the war ended and the occupation began.

You haven't seen the pictures of piles of bodies in Iraq then. Well I suppose if you don;t ant to see them, you won;t.

You also seem to think that ALL 600 people die in one spot. This is a whole country. 600 a day will include people blown apart in the street, those shot by US soldiers, those dying in hospitals or at home; and this will be happening all over Iraq, not in one place.

There's about 50 cities in Iraq - failry simple maths shows that only around 12 people have to die in each city to make 600. That seems completely reasonable to me, and one might wonder then if the 600 dead a day might not be an understatement of reality.

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About Me

Eco Warrior turned environmental advisor,Atheist, cycling fanatic, and fan of alternative music, comedy, politics, history and lifestyles.
I am writing a set of blogs that reflect my various interests, including cycling, music, London, politics, & more.
I also Tweet - as LaughingNoam.